Circle (2015) Review
Circle is an odd film. In regards to its technical aspects it seems somewhat lacking. Its production value appears low, its cinematography isn't perfect, its editing is standard, and its special effects (while few and far between) aren't spectacular. The acting in this movie is sub-par, and the film only lasts an hour and a half leaving not too much time to develop 50 individual characters. AND YET this film is a thrilling and unbelievably enjoyable ride for its entire run time and a film I would willingly watch more than once.
Circle is a film about fifty people who find themselves trapped in a mysterious room. They can't move or they face death, they can't touch each other (or death), and every two minutes they must vote for one of them to die (so death). It's not the most original plot, but it lends itself nicely to building tension and some compelling, and not so compelling (they die) arguments. It is not really clear why they're there and it's their job to figure it out.
Circle is clever in that it introduces its rules through example. By this I mean no one tells them moving kills you, someone moves and they get killed. Likewise with the voting system, and the way of "winning" so to speak. And Circle is clever in a lot of other ways too. Its most certainly an allegory for stereotyping and judging based on various factors, and this never feels particularly forced seeing as it is not only part of the plot, but the script often deals with it in a subtle or clever way.
Circle knows how to build tension too. Writers and Directors Aaron Hann (The Vault) and Mario Miscione (The Vault, Dark Web) have created various rules for themselves in order to keep the stakes high and the tension rolling. For example, the film begins with the suspense of why they're there, and how to stop it, before spiraling into simply who should die, and everyone trying to save themselves. There's always something happening, or a plan being put into motion, and the two minute rule means that people have to talk quick and be as convincing as possible. There is simply never a dull moment in Circle.
And that's why it is an odd film. Circle just isn't perfect. These directors haven't really done much before. The Vault, their previous project, was a web series with a low production budget and poor acting, and this feels like an upgrade, but not by much. That's not saying there are not any competent actors in this, there are, but there are many who just feel wooden and bland. And yet, despite all its short comings, this is the most fun I've had in a while. Circle brings you on a journey you won't pause, and when its over you'll probably be keen to go back over just to re-watch how the whole thing played out.
7/10
Circle is a film about fifty people who find themselves trapped in a mysterious room. They can't move or they face death, they can't touch each other (or death), and every two minutes they must vote for one of them to die (so death). It's not the most original plot, but it lends itself nicely to building tension and some compelling, and not so compelling (they die) arguments. It is not really clear why they're there and it's their job to figure it out.
Circle is clever in that it introduces its rules through example. By this I mean no one tells them moving kills you, someone moves and they get killed. Likewise with the voting system, and the way of "winning" so to speak. And Circle is clever in a lot of other ways too. Its most certainly an allegory for stereotyping and judging based on various factors, and this never feels particularly forced seeing as it is not only part of the plot, but the script often deals with it in a subtle or clever way.
Circle knows how to build tension too. Writers and Directors Aaron Hann (The Vault) and Mario Miscione (The Vault, Dark Web) have created various rules for themselves in order to keep the stakes high and the tension rolling. For example, the film begins with the suspense of why they're there, and how to stop it, before spiraling into simply who should die, and everyone trying to save themselves. There's always something happening, or a plan being put into motion, and the two minute rule means that people have to talk quick and be as convincing as possible. There is simply never a dull moment in Circle.
And that's why it is an odd film. Circle just isn't perfect. These directors haven't really done much before. The Vault, their previous project, was a web series with a low production budget and poor acting, and this feels like an upgrade, but not by much. That's not saying there are not any competent actors in this, there are, but there are many who just feel wooden and bland. And yet, despite all its short comings, this is the most fun I've had in a while. Circle brings you on a journey you won't pause, and when its over you'll probably be keen to go back over just to re-watch how the whole thing played out.
7/10
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